Abstract
Objective: Membrane damage is one of the important consequences of chromium (Cr) induced cytotoxicity. Garlic possesses antioxidant property to scavenge the toxic radicals and cytoprotective activity. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the ameliorative role of aqueous extract of garlic (AEG) on Cr-induced membrane damage of both liver and kidneys in male albino rats.
 Methods: Male albino rats of Wistar strain (80-100 g) were used for the present study. Rats were divided into three groups of almost equal average body weight. The animals of two groups were injected K2Cr2O7 at a dose of 0.8 mg per 100 g body weight per day for 28 days. The animals of one of the Cr-treated groups served as the supplemented group supplied aqueous extract of garlic (AEG) (250 mg per kg body weight daily at an interval of 6 h after injection of Cr for a period of 28 days). The animals of the remaining group received only the vehicle (0.9% NaCl), served as control. The body weights of the animals were taken in each day of treatment schedule.
 Results: The results indicated that significant increases in membrane cholesterol level as well as significant decreases in membrane phospholipid level in Cr exposed animals suggest structural alterations in both liver and kidneys plasma membrane. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total ATPase, and Na+-K+- ATPase activities of plasma membrane were significantly decreased in both liver and kidneys after Cr treatment. On the other hand, AEG supplementation plays a vital role to restore such alterations induced by Cr in plasma membrane of both liver and kidney.
 Conclusion: These findings indicate that Cr treatment at the present dose and duration induces structural and functional alterations in the plasma membrane in both liver and kidney. However, AEG supplementation restored those alterations induced by Cr in plasma membrane of both liver and kidneys but was not able to eliminate the deposited Cr from the liver and kidney tissues.
Highlights
Chromium (Cr) is a naturally occurring heavy metal found commonly in the environment in two valence states: Trivalent Cr (III) and hexavalent Cr (VI)
Supplementation of Cr-treated rats with aqueous extract of garlic (AEG) did not prevent the elevation of Cr content in the liver and kidneys (Table 1)
Cr appears to have a differential impact on organ size but after supplementation with AEG restored the changes in organ weights following metal exposure
Summary
Chromium (Cr) is a naturally occurring heavy metal found commonly in the environment in two valence states: Trivalent Cr (III) and hexavalent Cr (VI). Cr plays a dual role in nature with Cr (III) essential for glucose and lipid metabolism [1]. Hepatic and renal toxicity is the most common toxicity found in Cr (VI)-exposed workers or animals [3]. This functional differentiation of Cr (III) and Cr (VI) is largely decided by the ionic permeability of the plasma membrane [4]. Membrane damage is one of the crucial factors observed with Cr (VI) toxicity [5]
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